A special occasion calls for special attention. He's sold his first graphic novel. She's just won a national gaming competition. Perhaps you celebrate even the smallest of victories; and you should!

Money is a big dilemma for many people right now. Spending a lot for a date isn't always a priority. Therefore, I have included a low budget plan with a few high roller suggestions that you can take or leave.

We'll start with the gift. Sure, you can bring her flowers or a bottle of wine. Some people suggest chocolate. I say yuck to chocolate. I say boo to flowers that wilt and die. The bottle of wine is a nice gesture if you know your wine, but I think a better gift is the beloved "mix tape." Music is soul food. Music can communicate emotions that some people can't put into words. A "mix tape" stays with your date. A month later he or she will play your mix and think of you and how they felt that night. Be sure to keep your date's taste in mind and label it! Make a list of the songs and band names and include it with the disc. Even if you don't have a CD burner chances are you know someone who does. If you are really fun and have the dough to spend go get a dual tape deck boom box and give your date the whole shebang complete with an actual mix tape. I would squeal with delight over a gift like that. Another way is to go to Target or the Apple store and pick up a shuffle for about $50 and throw your mix on that. Include a handwritten congrats for the achievement you are reveling about.

Now for the date, if you're taking someone out, never ever make him or her meet you somewhere. Always pick up your date. You can't go wrong with a bit of chivalry. No car, you say? There is always the bus or a cab. Oh sure some people would sneer at riding he bus but there is a lot of fun to be found on the bus. Perhaps I will cover bus adventures in another article. For now it's time for your night out. Dinner is difficult to avoid on an evening date so if food is on the list, and you're hurting financially do a little research. Find a small sit down place that isn't Denny's or McDonald's. There are plenty of little sit down places with meals ranging from $8 to $15. I recommend Indian or Thai. These are usually great places for family style dining. Sharing the food at the center of the table forces more interaction. If you're doing a cultural cuisine, learn a bit about it. Share what you learnt about it.

Think about what you're celebrating. Is it a major life change (i.e. new job, finished school, new house, etc)? I recommend something goofy and brainless to do like laser tag or an arcade. Think about how much energy and effort was put toward your date's goal. He or she worked long and hard to get there. Now it's time to relax and let go! If you live near a beach, go build sand castles. Got a playground nearby; Go play on the jungle gym, swing set or seesaw. Be kids for the night. You could even invite friends as a surprise, all toting kids toys and games to play. Of course this is still a celebration so a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine is in order. Try an Asti Spumante or an almond sparkling wine it is sweeter while a brut is dry, good for a light beer drinker.

I will put together a list of unusual gift ideas, music suggestions, recipes or recipe resources, and other categories in another article to follow.

For now, share yourself with someone!